The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: An Awesome Modernization of a Classic Story

Awesome Adaptations is hosted by Picture Me Reading, and is a focus on book-to-movie adaptations that we think are awesome! Today’s topic is an awesome modernization of a classic story.

This feels a little bit like a cheat since The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is not a movie, but it is an adaptation (of Pride and Prejudice for the uninitiated), and it is done in video format. I have to admit, I love some parts of the series more than the rest. Some plot lines seem to drag too long, a few episodes seemed pointless, but a lot of it is just amazingly good.

The cast is perfect. Lizzie, Jane, and Lydia all seem perfectly suited as modern-day versions of Austen’s characters. Lydia’s the crazy wild child, Jane’s perfectly sweet, and Lizzie is just Lizzie. In fact, I’ve always related to Elizabeth, but I relate even more with Lizzie, down to what she was studying in college. And plus, Star Trek references FTW!

I loved how The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was able to stay true to Austen’s story while making it relevant for modern-day, and how the character interactions and emotional moments are still spot-on, even though it’s all happening from the limited perspective of Lizzie’s webcam.

If you haven’t seen The Lizzie Bennet Diaries yet, take a huge chunk of time from your schedule to watch it and enjoy.

Have you seen The Lizzie Bennet Diaries? What are your thoughts? Or what is a modernized adaptation of a classic that you enjoy?

I love LBD! <3 I found the first couple of episodes a bit slow, but then I was hooked! I adored the costume theatre parts, and also liked that Lydia's character was given more depth and sympathy. Can't wait to see what they do with Emma! Great choice 😀

I started reading this last night, but part of me zoned out as soon as I saw the words “Pride and Prejudice,” so I didn’t finish. Read it this morning and I’m mildly intrigued.

For me? First season (and still carries into the 2nd a bit, but the first was where it was strongest in the comparison) of Revenge (The Count of Monte Cristo). Good times. Very close runner up? West Side Story (Romeo and Juliet). Both have areas that they stray a little bit, but the similarities are striking.

Ashley Clements is awesome and a true geek. I follow her on Instagram and she clearly loves her some Star Trek. I think you would actually like at least some of the episodes of this… It’s very quirky and clever.

Right it’s hard to take a book that depends on the fact that women must marry for economic security and adapt it for the 2000s. I think also telling it through modern platforms (youtube, tumblr, twitter, etc.) helped.

I’m watching this! I think the last ep I watched was the 40-something? I don’t remember correctly, but I have to go back and keep watching… you’re right. some episodes are much better than others. Most of the time, though, I just laugh because it’s too damn good ;D And Lydia’s the kind of perky sister I never want to have! haha

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries is sooo cute. I remember when I watched the first episode– it was in the morning and I kept watching ’till eight pm. Lizzie is such of a relateable character (and funny) and the rest of the characters perfectly capture the essence of the certain character they are based on. I just can’t wait to see what they can do with Emma Approved!